Russellville Junior High East volleyball coach Cindy Williams has been pleased with what she's seen from her Lady Whirlwind squad so far.

That includes Saturday during the Lady Whirlwind Invitational at Whirlwind Gymnasium.

The East -- which is currently atop the standings in the Central Arkansas Junior High Conference North Division -- reached the semifinals of tournament play after breezing through pool play untouched. However, Van Buren Butterfield ended the Lady 'Winds' tournament run with a 25-18, 20-25, 25-23 win.

Williams' sprits aren't dampened even though her Russellville East team did not reach the finals.

"I think they did awesome," Williams said of her players. "I couldn't have asked for anything more from a bunch of ninth-graders. They played their hearts out."

That seemed to be evident in the match with Butterfield. However, the Lady Blazers jumped to a 13-7 lead to take early control of the game. From there, Butterfield never trailed, but the Lady Whirlwinds were able to get as close as 19-16.

Things went a little differently in the second game. Russellville East took control early this time, opening a 9-2 lead. The Lady Blazers were able to tie the score 9-9, but the Lady Whirlwinds fought back and regained a lead they would not relinquish.

The third game was just as competitive as the first two. The teams went back and forth until the Lady Blazers got off to a 12-7 lead. The Lady Whirlwinds were able to later tie the game 17-17 and scored the next two points to go in front.

After a short Butterfield rally, the East took a 23-20 lead. Things soon changed, as the Lady Blazers scored five straight points to win the game and match.

"We have nothing to be ashamed of," Williams said. "The girls played to the last whistle, and we were in every game. This does nothing but make us stronger."

Courtney Coulter led the Lady Whirlwinds in the match with three blocks and a pair of kills. Laura Brown also added two kills, while Taylor Eshnaur and Cyia Oliver both had a kill apiece.

Despite the loss, Williams saw the East's time in the tournament as a stepping stone. Included in that was strong team play.

"Our six girls on the floor are coming together, and we're getting stronger and stronger," Williams said. "This tournament did nothing but get us ready for where we need to be."

Russellville East opened tournament play with a 19-25, 25-22, 28-26 win over Lake Hamilton.

Things started out a little rough for the Lady Whirlwinds. Leading 16-10 in the first game, the East soon saw its lead slip away, as the Lady Wolves ended the game on a 15-3 run.

Lake Hamilton carried that momentum into the second game and opened a 14-7 lead. But the Lady Whirlwinds responded with a rally of their own and took a 16-15 lead after a Teryn Laseter ace.

The game remained close from there, but after breaking a 22-22 tie, the East was able to take the second game.

The intensity picked up in the third game, as the team traded points and chances to win late. After the Lady Whirlwinds took an 18-17 lead, the teams tied six times, with the last coming at 26-all.

"The game against Lake Hamilton was like the finals of a tournament," Williams said. "Every point was huge."

Brown led the East in the match with five kills and a block. Coulter added two kills, and Laseter chipped in with one.

But Williams said a total team effort, including those who didn't get on the court much, was a contributing factor in the win.

"The six girls on the court are really playing well as a unit," Williams said. "And, I have the best bench in the world. ... They really add to the game."